Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

Five years after George Floyd's murder, Minnesota government researchers say racial disparities are still a challenge, including a widening homeownership gap for Black residents. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 23, 2025

Post-George Floyd, MN communities drive Black wealth building

The racial reckoning spurred by George Floyd's murder got the public's attention about possible progress in ending wealth disparities. A Black-led …

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says being responsible with boat speeds protects other people on the lake, and can also help prevent shoreline erosion from large wakes. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 23, 2025

Boating season, and new safety requirements, arrive in MN

Memorial Day weekend is the start of recreational boating season in Minnesota. State officials are encouraged by recent trends in keeping people safe …

Racial justice advocates warn that efforts to undermine police accountability laws show the racial reckoning spurred by George Floyd's murder has stalled. But a Minnesota expert says the movement is still an important part of history that will be felt in years to come. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Five years after George Floyd's murder, assessing racial justice progress

This Sunday, racial-justice advocates will observe the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. A Minnesota professor who has written about …

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd's murder at the hands of several Minneapolis police officers sparked global protests against systemic racism. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Ahead of George Floyd anniversary, feds try to scrap police oversight plans

Just days before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, the Trump administration announced it will try to end federal reform efforts …

ArtReach St. Croix participates in Stillwater's annual Rivertown Fall Art Festival along the river in autumn. (Photo courtesy of ArtReach St. Croix)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

MN arts org connects creatives across a river and state lines

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

Rising insurance costs are adding another wrinkle to Minnesota's housing crisis. The Minnesota Housing Partnership said costs driven by increased weather risks and rebuilding expenses have pushed <br />insurance premiums in Minnesota to 12th highest in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Despite budget constraints, MN gives affordable housing a bump

Minnesota's legislative session is hovering around its endpoint and lawmakers found extra room in the budget to expand affordable housing. Those …

The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families says 20 counties nationwide have approximately half of women of child-bearing age covered by Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly a quarter of rural pregnant women in MN rely on Medicaid

Minnesota is in the top half of states when linking Medicaid coverage with needs for maternal care in rural areas. That's according to a new report …

Federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service said it can take months and even years to recover from the emotional, financial and ecological impacts of a wildfire. (Adobe Stock)

As MN wildfires burn, relief orgs ramp up for recovery

Large wildfires have ravaged parts of northeastern Minnesota and relief organizations are out in full force to assist displaced residents. They said …

Labor unions said with major government investments to boost high-speed internet access, the broadband sector has turned into the

MN labor groups: Workers' rights are under attack

Minnesota labor groups said to keep the state's economy running, they need a more welcoming tone from policymakers. At a rally Tuesday, many members …

About one in four adults age 25 and older globally will have a stroke in their lifetime, according to the American Heart Association. Having a stroke puts you at higher risk for another one. (Adobe Stock)

Donation helps MN rural providers beef up post-stroke care

Minnesota is making use of a multimillion-dollar donation to ensure rural residents recovering from a stroke have better access to rehabilitation care…

AARP says currently, civil law enforcement tools, namely injunctions and monetary orders, are insufficient in stopping scam operations and getting victims' money refunded. (Adobe Stock)

Plans advance for fraud restitution fund in MN

Fear, shame, and helplessness are feelings Minnesota fraud victims describe after losing their life savings to a scam. They're hopeful about a path …

A hunter stands in the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project area, which is protected from heavy industrial use under a new land deal covering nine counties. (Photo courtesy of Jay Brittain)

Mighty Mississippi in MN gets extra shield thanks to land deal

The Mississippi River is the drinking water source for 20 million people and its starting point in northern Minnesota has new protections following co…

Analysts with UnidosUS say the $23 billion average annual SNAP cut under the House budget resolution would be more than three times the size of the largest previous cut ever made to the food-assistance program. (Photo courtesy Farmers Market Coalition)

For MN, SNAP benefits reach farmers markets, other parts of economy

Congressional Republicans are poised to move forward with a proposal that would bring major cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…

Minnesota's version of the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is geared for helping households in need stay warm in the winter. But for warmer regions, LIHEAP is said to be crucial for customers trying to stay cool in the scorching heat. (Adobe Stock)

MN finally gets federal aid for heating bill program but issue is not settled

For now, Minnesota officials say panic has eased over federal funding for a program helping low-income households with their energy bills but there …

In a statewide survey about Library Media Specialists for Minnesota's K-12 schools, some respondents reported using their personal funds to support the library where they work. (Adobe Stock)

Nearly half of MN school libraries lack licensed media specialist

Minnesota law requires K-12 school libraries to be staffed by a licensed media specialist but survey results indicated almost half of districts have d…

Experts say social, economic, personal and environmental factors are the major influences on a person's well-being. They hope families keep these things in mind, especially mental health, when assessing the state of their household. (Adobe Stock)

Checking underneath the 'family wellness' hood

May is Family Wellness Month, and Minnesota households are encouraged to work on goals beyond the surface level of success. One expert said family …

Reform advocates say people in America's prisons are often forced to work, and if they refuse or say they can't handle the working conditions, they can be punished. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition wants to end 'forced labor' in MN prisons

A Minnesota proposal is in the works that supporters say would end forced labor in correctional facilities. They note the 13th Amendment was adopted …

Environmental experts said you should not stress out about the carbon footprint from grilling, because it is meant to be an enjoyable experience. Still, they urged trying eco-friendly ways of grilling, including the cleaning products they use. (Adobe Stock)

Grill cleaning can be a dirty mess, but for air quality, it doesn't have to be

The unmistakable smell of hamburgers or steak on outdoor grills will soon be making its way through Minnesota neighborhoods and with the weather warmi…

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture announced in March the Food Safety and Inspection Service will extend waivers allowing pork and poultry producers to process meat at a faster pace than the previous time limits prescribed. (Photo courtesy Sentient)

USDA moves may compromise safety for MN meatpacking workers

By Whitney Curry Wimbish for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Coll…

In a North Minneapolis strip mall, Nonviolent Peaceforce recently opened a community space to work with youth to prevent violence. Officials worry about keeping it open after a key federal grant was cut without warning. (Photo courtesy Nonviolent Peaceforce)

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Violence prevention groups said building trust in vulnerable neighborhoods is key to their success but a global humanitarian organization worries abou…

At Minnesota's Capitol, state lawmakers are trying to come together on a new two-year budget, estimated to land at around $66 billion. (Adobe Stock)

As May looms, MN lawmakers contend with added budget wrinkles

Minnesota lawmakers have a few weeks left to wrap up their legislative session on time. A new state budget tops the list of remaining tasks, with …

Ash Hanson reads a love letter to a crowd gathered at the YES! House as part of a residency with artist JJ Kapur. (Photo courtesy of Alana Horton)

MN town practices art of love, one letter at a time

By Alana Horton for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Colla…

Of the nearly 30,000 fire departments in the United States, almost 19,000 are all volunteer. (Adobe Stock)

MN fire chiefs lean on ads, targeted messaging to boost depleted ranks

In many small Minnesota communities, city hall windows display "firefighters wanted" posters. Lack of interest is a reality local fire chiefs have to …

Despite some headwinds, a new analysis says Minnesota's clean energy sector remains on solid footing, with carbon emissions in the state reaching a record low in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More MN electricity is clean and homegrown

Minnesota is becoming less reliant on energy imports to power up homes and businesses. That's a key finding in the latest summary of contributions …

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system has an enrollment of around 270,000 students, spread across 33 campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Significant tuition hikes expected at MN colleges

For Minnesota households planning future college enrollment, there is a good chance tuition will cost more, as public campuses facing tighter budgets …

The U.S. has seen dozens of coal plants come offline in recent years and researchers noted the ones still in use operate less frequently because of declining demand. They said it should deter policymakers from trying to spend money to increase coal production. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: U.S. wouldn't see 'bang for its buck' in reviving coal

Minnesota is cited in a new research brief outlining the obstacles America would face in trying to reopen coal plants, an idea prioritized by the …

Federal data show in 2023, an estimated 3,275 people were killed nationwide in distracted driving-related crashes. (Adobe Stock)

MN police chief: Drivers need to break cell phone habit

Law enforcement agencies are still trying to get the message through about the dangers and costs that stem from distracted driving. A Minnesota …

This month, labor organizations and Hennepin County authorities announced a historic wage theft prosecution for Minnesota. (Photo courtesy of Fair Contracting Foundation of Minnesota)

Wage theft enforcement could take a big leap in some MN counties

On the heels of courtroom victories, some Minnesota prosecutors say they'll try to replicate the success in going after more businesses suspected of …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the construction industry faces a shortage of 500,000 workers, prompting calls for bigger and more accessible training programs. (Adobe Stock)

MN tribal college looks to be key player for skilled labor training

Minnesota's unemployment rate is low, but the state still faces a skilled labor shortage. A regional college hopes to be a solution as it looks to …

Minnesota public health worker Amy Saupe, who is being laid off because of federal cuts, holds a sign at a demonstration in St. Paul on Thursday. (Mike Moen)

MN public health workers: Safe food, water at risk with federal cuts

Minnesota officials have launched a new online tool detailing how the state is being affected by federal cuts. Public health workers keeping an eye …

Places such as data centers are pushing up electricity demand across the United States. In Minnesota, observers say that's one of several issues complicating the proposed sale of Minnesota Power to a private equity firm. (Adobe Stock)

Ratepayers sound off on proposed sale of Minnesota Power

Public hearings continue tonight and tomorrow for the proposed sale of Minnesota's second largest utility. The deal is drawing a lot of attention…

A gold star in the upper right corner is a distinct characteristic of the federally mandated REAL ID. (Photo courtesy of Minn. DPS)

Minnesotans urged to act as REAL ID deadline looms large

Time is winding down for Minnesotans to upgrade their driver's license, with new federal rules soon to kick in for what's known as "REAL ID." On May …

A national public relations firm recently surveyed Americans about the barriers youths face to better outcomes. Respondents recognized the need for stronger communities, but survey officials said they still underestimate the effect poverty can have on youths. (Adobe Stock)

For youth empowerment work, experts say careful wording can save the day

April is Second Chance Month, with extra focus on helping people with a criminal past keep from becoming repeat offenders. In steering Minnesota …

More than 25,000 Minnesotans are subscribers in the state's Community Solar Program. Supporters said it helps people, like renters, access solar power when they otherwise would face barriers in tapping into the resource. (Adobe Stock)

Bill threatens to end MN's Community Solar Program

Minnesota is considered a national leader for community solar opportunities but a successful state program expanding solar access would end in the nex…

Organizations such as Minnesota's Urban Bird Collective are trying to foster a more welcoming bird-watching community, which includes encouraging more women to become birders. (Adobe Stock)

'Birders' take note: MN skies dotted with more feathered friends

Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

Minnesota officials say they're still expecting another $12 to $13 million in federal funds to help more than 10,000 more Minnesota households pay their utility bills as winter winds down. (Adobe Stock)

Funds for MN heating assistance put in tougher spot amid federal cuts

As many Minnesotans dig out from an early Spring snowstorm, the future of a federal program that helps low-income households pay their heating bills …

Economists with the American Farm Bureau Federation said there are still unknowns but it is clear the escalating trade war will decrease demand for U.S. products in the second- and third-largest export markets for American farmers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal moves leave MN farmers in state of limbo

The Trump administration announces its new wave of tariffs Wednesday, and with U.S. Department of Agriculture funding still a question mark, …

Experts say student loan debt has created a ticking time bomb in the United States, in part because of legal challenges to the Biden administration's efforts to cancel student debt for some borrowers. Now, many are in limbo as services are cut by the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Minnesotans tools to sound off, navigate student loan fallout

Minnesota officials have launched a new portal, asking parents, students and others to share how they are affected by the Trump administration's …

Even though policymakers and utilities are increasingly focused on reducing the impacts of climate change, education experts say a standard curriculum on this topic hasn't really resonated at the school level. (Adobe Stock)

MN youth: Courting the facts could set the stage for climate action

The U.S. Supreme Court this month declined to hear a case brought by youth activists, who argued the federal government has failed to protect them …

Minnesota has been lauded in recent years for adopting a range of programs designed to help at-risk populations. But lawmakers and watchdogs say with government agencies increasingly targeted by fraudsters, safeguards are needed to ensure people who need the aid still get it. (Adobe Stock)

MN watchdog sees promise in fraud control efforts at State Capitol

Minnesota lawmakers this session are emphasizing new protocols to shield state agencies from fraud. A watchdog group says so far, it appears they're …

Minnesota labor groups say telework wasn't just a part of the pandemic, arguing it was proving to be a recruiting tool even before COVID-19 and should still be a priority. These debates come as office sites struggle with vacancies. (Adobe Stock)

MN state workers push back against return-to-office order

Labor groups representing thousands of Minnesota state workers find themselves at serious odds with Gov. Tim Walz over his move this week to reduce …

Experts said resident physicians, going through their training, have faced heavy workloads. A union representing the professionals said they should not have to sacrifice their well-being to advance their careers. (Adobe Stock)

MN's doctors-in-training get behind collective-bargaining wave

Minnesota's up-and-coming doctors say in order to better care for patients down the road, they need collective bargaining power. A large group of …

A Minnesota coalition pushing for a bill to allow

MN students could get extra nod for 'making the civics grade'

High school seniors will soon be counting down the days until graduation and in Minnesota. But students from future graduating classes could get a …

Housing industry voices say actions by the Trump administration, from cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to prolonged tariff hikes, could hinder efforts to build more affordable units. (Adobe Stock)

Tariff talk adds uncertainty to already stressed affordable-housing movement

Industry groups say Minnesota is short more than 100,000 affordable-housing units to meet demand, and project leaders have said the Trump …

Rick Martagon, executive director of Building Strong Communities, testifies in support of a bill to expand state support for the initiative, which focuses on providing apprenticeship opportunities to underserved populations. (Photo courtesy of Vince Muzik/Fair Contracting Foundation of Minnesota)

Amid a buzz for apprenticeships, MN explores accessibility

Apprenticeship programs are getting more attention these days to help fill skilled labor shortages but accessibility is seen is a barrier and Minnesot…

Advocates for Minnesota's immigrant population recently protested ICE enforcement in Rochester. (Photo courtesy of COPAL).

MN Latino advocates band together as deportation fears persist

Social and economic disruptions are among the impacts reported by Minnesota Latino support organizations as they monitor the Trump administration's ma…

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Older Americans lean more on credit cards for basic needs

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota …

Public polling has indicated that certain budget-cutting moves and tariffs pursued by the Trump administration are not resonating with voters, with some frustration spilling over into town hall meeting hosted by members of Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of 'town halls' frustrates MN voters

Republicans in Washington, D.C. remain focused on greatly reducing federal spending. However, a backlash is mounting in Congressional districts…

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